It has been four years since the marquee Australian all-rounder Shane Watson hung up his cricketing spikes. Yet, he remains sharp and fit as ever, with his batting rhythm still intact. Currently, he is leading the Australian team in the International Masters League—a spirited tournament uniting retired cricketers from six nations.

Watson is relishing in this return to the pitch, savouring each moment as he plays against some of the icons that he grew up idolising. It might be an exhibition tournament, but the level of skill on display by players way past their prime is simply extraordinary. Watson himself set up a great display of his hitting prowess a few days ago, when he slammed nine towering sixes and as many fours for his 102.

Is it just Imuscle memory? Or is he still sweating out in his backyard? Watson says, "Cricket is what we know better than anything else. It's deeply ingrained in our lives. It does not take long to shake off the rust and get back in rhythm." The all-rounder is leading a team that also consists of Ben Cutting, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, and Xavier Doherty—cricketers he has shared the dressing room with in his playing days.

"Everyone is really enjoying this experience. It’s not just about cricket; it’s about being on tour with your friends again. Being back on tour is special. Once you leave that team environment, you don't get many chances to come back together like this. On tour, we spend time together and enjoy the banter in the changing rooms. We travel and do a lot of fun activities. It’s just a great time. This is what we know best; a big part of our lives has been spent in a team environment," he adds.

But it is not just the reunion of Australian players but also the prospect of facing some of the titans like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara that he relishes as much. "I have been fortunate to play against icons like Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar in my days. To have a chance to show my good old cricketing skills again after retirement feels like a blessing. I am grateful to the teams that organized the International Masters League. This league gives players who have finished their professional careers a chance to showcase their skills again," he adds.